Table of Contents
The Maldives attract tourists with the promise of offering the ultimate paradise on earth. If your idea of paradise corresponds to a pristine tropical island with palm trees, white beaches and turquoise lagoons, this archipelago will not disappoint. This is also the ideal place for diving, as you can admire corals and all kinds of marine fauna. Yet, this destination is not designed for backpackers or for anthropology enthusiasts who want to live like the locals. In the Maldives, every aspect of tourist life is organised and controlled. Government officials identify the most beautiful stretches of coastline, the 'Robinson Crusoe' resorts, but then do not hand them over to mass tourism. The total lack of local resources forces the importation of whatever goods are needed for the tourists' stay, from furniture to fresh vegetables, and it follows that prices are uncompetitive. This has led to the development of high-end villages, a few on each island, in order to limit traffic, crowds, crime and commercial initiative. This policy also aims at not disrupting the traditional life of Muslim communities. Tourists are allowed to participate in short guided tours to fishing villages, at the end of which they must return to their hotel. Many are satisfied with a quick glimpse of traditional life, also because those who want to visit areas not included in the tourist circuits must show a plausible reason and ask for a special permit, which can only be obtained upon presentation of an official invitation from the resident of the island one intends to visit. After seeing one of the few permitted areas, it is not difficult to understand why it is impossible to move around freely: small isolated communities would be severely damaged by mass tourism. Like it or not, this restrictive tourism policy has paid off, as the resorts are of a good standard, the number of tourists is constantly increasing and the impact on nature and society has been minimal. The Maldives has become the model for non-destructive tourism development.
Maldives: Plan your trip
Cities
Maldives: useful information
Languages spoken
Divehi, English
Currency
MVR - Maldivian Rufiyaa
Electricity
220V/50Hz